Swifts, swallows 'n such

A Purple Martin feeds its young

  

       Swifts are twittering high above, swallows are sweeping lakes, and martins are building nests in their high-rises. Around here, that means the spring migration is pretty-much complete.

         This blog has concentrated mostly on bird feeding simply because that's what I do. My experience in housing is limited.
         But having swallow and swift species back for the summer is a reminder of how some birds are reliant on manmade structures. Swallows use bridges, dams and buildings for nesting; Purple Martins are almost totally reliant on the martin houses we put up; and Chimney Swifts are true to their name. They all seem to like to nest in groups.
          In return, these birds help keep the insect count down during the summer. (I think that if it weren't for birds, we would surely be inundated with bugs.)
          Swifts and Purple Martins prefer high places and open spaces. Swallows like to be around water.
           Depending on where you are, it may not be too late to put up a Purple Martin house for the season. But you should look for a big yard or open field, and plan on putting the house up high.
           Purplemartin.org has all you need to know about these birds.

               Here's what I saw in my yard today:

               (AM, cloudy, 66 degrees, 25 minutes)
Chipping Sparrow
Carolina Chickadee
Gray Catbird
Northern Cardinal
Blue Jay
Brown Thrasher
Tufted Titmouse